Habitat for Humanity fires its founder

Published: Tuesday, February 1, 2005 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, January 31, 2005 at 11:00 p.m.

Habitat for Humanity International said Monday it has fired founder Millard Fuller after a lengthy dispute over allegations of his "inappropriate conduct" toward a female staffer.

In a statement, the board's executive committee cited months of conflict and lack of cooperation between Fuller and the board over the charges, which it eventually found "insufficient evidence" to substantiate.

Habitat for Humanity also terminated the employment of Fuller's wife, Linda, who co-founded the Christian home-building organization with him 28 years ago.

Fuller already had given up the title of chief executive officer last year, but retained the largely ceremonial title of "founder and president" in a compromise. Monday's decision also stripped him of his presidential role. Retirement benefits for the couple were being negotiated, the statement said.

"We have tried repeatedly over the past several months to resolve differences in a spirit of respectful confidentiality," board chair Rey Ramsey said. "In every instance, the Fullers ultimately have rejected or been openly critical of any and all steps taken toward appropriate compromise."

<p>Habitat for Humanity International said Monday it has fired founder Millard Fuller after a lengthy dispute over allegations of his "inappropriate conduct" toward a female staffer.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>In a statement, the board's executive committee cited months of conflict and lack of cooperation between Fuller and the board over the charges, which it eventually found "insufficient evidence" to substantiate.</p><p>Habitat for Humanity also terminated the employment of Fuller's wife, Linda, who co-founded the Christian home-building organization with him 28 years ago.</p><p>Fuller already had given up the title of chief executive officer last year, but retained the largely ceremonial title of "founder and president" in a compromise. Monday's decision also stripped him of his presidential role. Retirement benefits for the couple were being negotiated, the statement said.</p><p>"We have tried repeatedly over the past several months to resolve differences in a spirit of respectful confidentiality," board chair Rey Ramsey said. "In every instance, the Fullers ultimately have rejected or been openly critical of any and all steps taken toward appropriate compromise."</p>